“The GDP, the measure of our economy, is still strong and 3% is definitely higher than we've seen in the past. We do see signs of it starting to slow, but not yet slowing to a point where we're in a recession,” said Jerry Braakman. Jerry Braakman, President and Chief Investment Officer, and Scott Dudgeon, Director of Equity Research, share their ... Read More›

“…at the beginning of this year, there was an expectation and truly that expectation has been in the market for probably 18 months or so that we would potentially be facing a recession and economic slowdown. [Since that] was being priced in the market, one of the reasons the markets performed very well last year is that the expectation of the ... Read More›

“…2023 was, was a great year for equities. The S&P 500 was up 26%, the Nasdaq was up 45%. Even the Russell 2000 small caps are up 17%, and bonds put up respectable mid-single digit returns as well. You're probably wondering how this all happened. Everyone was worried about a recession, and ironically that helped the setup,” said Scott Dudgeon. ... Read More›

“...the S&P 500 has had a strong year on the back of an almost opposite effect last year….the S&P kind of hit a high right at the end of 2021 and then was in a bear market last year where values came down. And then, partly through this year, it started rebounding,” stated Jerry Braakman. Jerry Braakman, President and Chief Investment ... Read More›

“...When we entered the year, most economists were looking for a recession in 2023. As we progress through the year, and as economic data has proven more resilient than expected, the soft-landing projections have started to really boost. The markets really gravitate to that narrative,” stated Scott Dudgeon. Jerry Braakman, President and Chief ... Read More›

Jerry Braakman, President and Chief Investment Officer, and Jason Nerio, Director of Investment Research & Strategy share their insight on current business cycles and market trends. Watch this video to learn more about the following topics: Read More›

"…If you try to book an airline ticket, it's still quite expensive, and that's why it doesn't feel like a recession yet. Hopefully we don't get there. Technically, we may be in one, but it doesn't really feel like it because nominally things are still inflating ... and jobs levels are still quite healthy at 3.5%,” stated Jerry Braakman. Jerry ... Read More›

“...It's obviously a difficult time for the markets and part of that is our economy is a little bit in transition...not just our economy, but a global economy as well...,” stated Jerry Braakman. Jerry Braakman, President and Chief Investment Officer, and Jason Nerio, Director of Investment Research & Strategy, share their insight on current ... Read More›

“We had an incredible 2021 when we look at U.S. domestic equity market returns, and as we head into the first part of the year it has not been as fun or exciting,” stated Jerry Braakman. “We'll talk through that and explain what is going on, why the market is reacting and how to prepare for that as well.” Jerry Braakman, President and Chief ... Read More›

"The market is forward looking and as we are getting through this last Covid variant bubble in the economy, we'll start seeing more and more improvement. The market is liking that, the companies are liking that. Almost all earning sectors have surprised the expectations of analysts with an overall earnings growth," says Jerry Braakman. Read More›

The Quarterly Investment Update is a live webinar that features First American Trust's review and analysis of fixed income, equity markets and the economy. Read More›

The Quarterly Investment Update is a live webinar that features First American Trust's review and analysis of fixed income, equity markets and the economy. Jerry Braakman, EVP & Chief Investment Officer, and Jason Nerio, Director of Investment Research & Strategy, share their insight on current business cycles, market trends and our ... Read More›